I was the classic middle child in some ways, the one who could have been a priest in an alternate universe.

Meaning of the quote

Chiwetel Ejiofor, a British actor, felt like he could have become a priest in a different life. As a middle child, he sometimes felt overlooked or caught in the middle, just like priests are often seen as the ones in the middle, balancing different roles and responsibilities. Ejiofor's quote suggests that even though he became an actor, he could have taken a very different path in life, perhaps as a priest, if things had turned out differently.

About Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel Ejiofor is a renowned British actor who has won numerous awards, including a British Academy Film Award and a Laurence Olivier Award. He has been recognized by the Queen for his contributions to the arts and has starred in a wide range of acclaimed films and television shows, from 12 Years a Slave to Doctor Strange.

More about the author

More quotes from Chiwetel Ejiofor

I became an actor by doing school plays and youth theaters, and then National Youth Theatre of Great Britain. And then I did study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. For me that was a good way to enter the field, to work in the theater.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Britain actor (born 1977)

I like to disappear into a role. I equate the success of it with a feeling of being chemically changed. That’s the only way I can express it.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Britain actor (born 1977)

I was the classic middle child in some ways, the one who could have been a priest in an alternate universe.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Britain actor (born 1977)

When I first had my eyebrows waxed, I was pretty disturbed.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Britain actor (born 1977)

David Mamet was great to work with. He was everything that I thought he would be as a director. He’s incredibly articulate, an easy collaborator. Extraordinarily knowledgeable about film and writing.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Britain actor (born 1977)

I think I enjoy working obviously as a lead, but also you know I feel I’m also a character actor as well, so I enjoy approaching various projects in all sort of capacities. Any film I have been able to do I feel very fortunate to have been a part of.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Britain actor (born 1977)

It’s a strange thing, but you get this click in your brain; the wonderful feeling that the entirety of a character is suddenly available and accessible to you.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Britain actor (born 1977)

This is going to sound completely absurd, but I do sometimes feel like the enjoyment of an awards ceremony or the pride in the finished article hasn’t ever surpassed the joy of doing the work, of making it. The doing it is really the bit I’m there for.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Britain actor (born 1977)

I enjoy doing everything, comedy and drama. I just look for the characters really and what they offer.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Britain actor (born 1977)

Depending on what your interest in theater is, I always recommend working on plays. It’s a great way to be introduced to the field, and also a great way to be seen by agents and representation. I’m also a great advocate for studying acting at a drama school or a college.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Britain actor (born 1977)

I was already devouring literature and I was the ripe old age of 15 when I decided to be an actor. I just thought plays were the most fantastic way of expressing life. I thought I’d discovered Shakespeare – ‘hey, there’s a new guy in town, don’t know if anyone’s read him.’ I was just excited about the whole thing, from day one.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Britain actor (born 1977)